Guwahati: Parts of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh now have a “disturbed area” designation under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958 for an additional six months, according to the Union Home Ministry (MHA).
Following a study of the law and order situation in both states, the MHA made its decision.
The AFSPA gives security forces the authority to make an arrest without a warrant, enter a building without a warrant, conduct a search without a request, and take other actions.
According to the MHA notification, on September 30, 2022, the central government declared Changlang, Tirap and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh as well as the areas governed by Namsai and Mahadevpur police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering the state of Assam as “disturbed areas,” in exercise of the powers granted by Section 3 of the AFSPA 1958.
One more police station area has been added to the scope of the AFSPA through the new notification.
The MHA added that a review of the state of law and order in Arunachal Pradesh was conducted.
“Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” the MHA notification said.
The Union Home Ministry added that the central government had designated nine districts and 16 police stations in four other districts of Nagaland as “disturbed areas” for a period of six months beginning on October 1, 2022 in accordance with the authority granted by Section 3 of the AFSPA, 1958.
According to MHA, disturbed area status would now apply to 21 police station areas in five more districts and eight districts.
“And whereas a further review of the law and order situation in the state of Nagaland has been undertaken. Now, therefore, Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren districts in Nagaland and the areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of i) Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; ii) Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki ‘C’ police stations in Mokokchung District; iii) Yanglok police station in Longleng District; iv) Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and v) Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District, are declared as ‘disturbed area’ under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2023, unless withdrawn earlier,” the notification said.